Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands. The university was founded in 1575. It was a gift from William of Orange to the citizens of Leiden after they had withstood a long siege by the Spanish. The university provided an atmosphere of freedom of speech that provided the right environment for philosophers such as Spinoza and Descartes to develop their ideas. Nowadays, teaching and research are closely integrated at Leiden University. Furthermore, the university collaborates with several partners all over the world such as non-profit organizations, government authorities, research institutions and the business sector. The university strives for innovation in a constantly changing environment.

Level of Education

The University of Leiden offers over fifty three-year bachelors programmes and almost a hundred one or two-year masters programmes. The philosophy of Leiden University is that a full academic training consists of a bachelor’s and a master’s programme. Therefore, all students that graduate from a bachelor’s programme will be automatically be eligible to proceed in a master’s programme. Furthermore, the students are competent to continue their education in a PhD programme after finishing the master’s programme. The methods of education in all programmes consist of several forms: general lectures, work groups, individual research assignments and specific training courses. All these types of teaching are implemented to encourage students to participate actively in their education.

Scholarships

Leiden University offers several scholarships for international students. For information and to apply visit this website.

International student programmes

Leiden has an international student network for all international students living in Leiden. This network helps you with all your questions and organizes both social and practical events.

International Students

In 2010 / 2011 circa 1600 international students were studying at the Leiden University. This was 15% of the total student body.

Departments and Courses

Leiden University offers several programmes completely taught in English. If you’d like to take part in a master programmes there is enough choice. The university offers more than 30 master programmes. If you’d like to study at Bachelor’s level there are only 3 options. We have listed all programmes below.

Bachelor programmes

• BA in Dutch Studies
• BA International Studies
• Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts & Sciences

Master’s programmes

Archeology

• Ancient Americas
• AsiaClassic World and the near East
• Heritage Management
• North Western Europe
• Science-based Archeology

Area Studies

• Africa
• Asia
• Europe
• Middle and Near East
• North America
• South America

Arts Culture and History

• Ancient History
• Art and Computer Science
• Art history
• Culture
• History

Behaviour and Society

• Human Sciences
• Philosophy
• Politics and Public Administration

Communication, Education and Media

• Communication
• Education and Child Studies
• Media
• Teacher Education

Economy and Business

• Business and Law
• Economy
• Management

Health

• Medical Sciences

Law and Public Administration

• Law
• Law for International Students and Professionals
• Public Administration

Literature and Lignuistics

• Linguistics
• Literature
• Teacher Education

Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science

• Computer Science
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physical Sciences

Religion and Philosophy

• Christianity
• Islam
• Judaism
• Philosophy
• Religion General